E-bikes and scooters could be banned on NSW trains and the Metro as soon as September, with the government admitting it is “seriously considering” a move to outlaw them.

Victoria is also considering a ban.

The move comes after a spate of fires, due to their lithium-ion batteries.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

The batteries have become a source of concern for fire authorities, involved in a number of house fires over the past few years.

The batteries overheat and then burst into flames.

NSW Transport Minister John Graham confirmed the government was considering the move, in line with a rule already enforced on the London Underground.

London enacted the ban after an e-bike caught fire on an Underground platform in January.

“NSW, along with Victoria, is seeking the support of the Commonwealth to strengthen rules around e-bikes and e-scooters to prevent the importation of dangerous devices and reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires,” Graham said.

“Due to poor manufacturing overseas and the absence of battery safety standards, there has been an increasing number of battery fires in both our states, including on a train in Melbourne and a train station in Sydney.

“In NSW, we are seriously considering options including a temporary ban on trains until we are satisfied that regulations are tight enough, with public safety as our highest priority.”

Victoria’s Department of Transport and Planning proposed new bans would be enacted on Metro and V/Line trains and V/Line coaches.

A Metro train was evacuated in March when an e-bike burst into flames at Union Station, in the city’s east.

A public consultation on the plans is now open until August 18.

“A fire on a train is a serious safety issue because it may be difficult to evacuate passengers on a crowded service or where trains are in between stations,” a summary paper of the rule said.

“Electrical fires from these devices can start without warning, are extremely difficult to extinguish and quickly spread toxic smoke.”

A number of bicycle advocacy groups have voiced their concern about the new rules, saying it was only low-quality bikes, which have often been modified, which are causing problems.